The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered a case against former National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman Tariq Malik and 12 others, including former Chief Project Director Gohar Ahmed Khan, over alleged $25 million financial irregularities in smart card procurement.
The Interior Ministry initiated the NADRA corruption case following a report from Transparency International revealing significant losses to Pakistan’s treasury.
The FIA has accused NADRA of violating the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules by procuring smart cards at a price of 99 cents each, despite the market rate being only 3 cents. This price increased from 68 cents in 2020 to 99 cents in 2022 without any justification. The individuals accused, including Malik, are facing charges of corruption, misuse of authority, and criminal breach of trust for allegedly receiving kickbacks and favouring a specific company through manipulated tenders.
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Ongoing investigations may involve more NADRA officials, as the FIA has uncovered corruption amounting to billions of rupees. A report by Transparency International highlighted procurement irregularities, prompting immediate action.
Malik, NADRA chairman from 2012-2013 and 2021-2023, oversaw digital identity initiatives but faced prior scrutiny. The Tariq Malik FIA case follows similar high-profile probes, reflecting Pakistan’s anti-corruption drive. The NADRA smart card scam impacts public trust in national institutions,
The NADRA corruption case reveals systemic flaws in public procurement, jeopardising fiscal integrity. As investigations proceed, the Tariq Malik FIA case could transform accountability measures, attracting global attention to Pakistan’s fight against corruption in 202.5.
